The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote the development of the maritime sectors of both countries.
The agreement, signed in Shanghai, China, establishes a framework for collaboration in key areas, including maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training and certification, protection of seafarers’ rights, marine casualty and incident investigation, maritime transportation facilitation, and maritime security.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the agreement as a historic milestone in the maritime relationship between Nigeria and China.
He emphasised the need to translate the agreement into practical programmes that would deliver measurable benefits to the maritime industries of both countries.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement; it is a commitment to translate our longstanding relationship into practical maritime cooperation, shared expertise and measurable benefits for both countries.
“We are determined to ensure that this partnership delivers tangible outcomes for our maritime industries,” Mobereola said.
The NIMASA chief executive noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu values Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector.
He said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the objectives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the leadership of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.
In his remarks, the Director-General of China MSA, Mr Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening maritime relations with Nigeria.
Xu expressed China’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development, acknowledging the progress made by the country in the sector.
He pledged China’s continued support for bilateral collaboration and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth in the maritime industries of both nations.
The MoU is expected to promote technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity development and the exchange of best practices between the two maritime administrations.
It will also strengthen institutional collaboration, providing opportunities for both agencies to leverage their respective expertise in addressing emerging challenges in the global maritime industry.
The agreement marks a significant step in Nigeria-China maritime relations, with expectations that increased cooperation will support capacity building, improve maritime safety and security, and enhance the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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